Dome for the Holidays opens November 14, followed by three more holiday light events in Des Moines. Admission ranges from a free downtown promenade to ticketed indoor and drive-through attractions.
By Hola America News
DES MOINES, Iowa — The holiday lights season begins Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Jolly Holiday Lights, Holiday Promenade and Tinseltown will follow on November 20 and 21.
The four events offer different experiences and admission options. Families can walk through illuminated tropical gardens, drive past light displays at the Iowa State Fairgrounds or attend outdoor celebrations in Historic East Village and Water Works Park.
Dome for the Holidays opens November 14 with $18 adult tickets
Dome for the Holidays returns to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on Saturday, November 14.
Thousands of lights will illuminate the tropical conservatory and Gardeners Show House. The indoor attraction also features interactive displays, a gnome hunt, holiday train exhibits and seasonal refreshments available for purchase.
The event operates on selected evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors must choose a date and 30-minute arrival window when purchasing tickets.
Admission prices for 2026:
- Adults: $18.
- Children ages 1–13: $13.
- Children younger than 1: Free.
- Botanical Garden members: $3 off each eligible ticket.
At those advertised rates, admission for two adults and two children ages 1–13 would total $62 before any additional checkout charges.
Advance purchases are strongly encouraged because capacity is limited. The final arrival window begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are generally nonrefundable.
The garden will also offer Family Nights on November 18 and 25, with activities designed especially for children ages 2–8. These activities are included with event admission.
Location: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Free parking is available in the garden’s lot, with additional spaces along Robert D. Ray Drive. The garden advises visitors that direct access from University Avenue is closed; drivers approaching from that direction should use Pennsylvania Avenue and Des Moines Street.
Tickets and available dates are listed on the official Dome for the Holidays website.
Jolly Holiday Lights starts November 20 at $25 per car
Jolly Holiday Lights opens Friday, November 20, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, offering a drive-through route filled with illuminated holiday displays.
The attraction operates daily through January 3, 2027, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Regular operating hours:
- Sunday through Thursday: 5:30–9 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 5:30–10 p.m.
Extended hours of 5:30–10 p.m. are listed for December 20–27.
Regular admission costs $25 per passenger vehicle or $50 for a bus, limousine or RV. One ticket covers the vehicle rather than each individual passenger. Taxes and fees are additional.
A promotional sale is scheduled to begin Monday, November 9, at 8 a.m., with passenger-vehicle tickets advertised at $20 plus applicable taxes and fees. The organizer has not specified how long that promotional rate will remain available.
Winterland, which operates the attraction, says $1 from each ticket sold will benefit Make-A-Wish Iowa.
Location: Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317.
Visitors can review ticket options on the official Jolly Holiday Lights pricing page.
Holiday Promenade offers five Fridays of free festivities
The Historic East Village Holiday Promenade begins Friday, November 20, and continues every Friday through December 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The event brings holiday lights, live music, carolers and seasonal activities to the Historic East Village neighborhood in downtown Des Moines.
Local shops will extend their hours, while visitors can enjoy free trolley rides through the neighborhood.
Admission is free and open to the public. Purchases at participating shops and restaurants are separate.
The 2026 celebration includes five themed evenings:
- November 20: Tree Lighting with Santa Claus and a holiday story time.
- November 27: Holiday Window Display Contest and caroling by Sing DMC.
- December 4: Winefest’s Very Merry Vino in the Village.
- December 11: Cozy Night, featuring a screening of Elf at Wooly’s.
- December 18: Light Up the Night, featuring live ice sculpting and Santa Claus.
Location: Historic East Village, downtown Des Moines.
The official Historic East Village Holiday Promenade page provides the complete 2026 schedule and information about the participating businesses.
Tinseltown tree lighting is November 21 at 6 p.m.
Tinseltown in Water Works Park returns Saturday, November 21, with holiday lights, entertainment, crafts and seasonal vendors.
Activities begin at 1 p.m. and include visits with St. Nicholas and his reindeer, musical performances and opportunities to explore illuminated displays.
The tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m.
A separate activity called Tour de Lights will follow from 7 to 9 p.m. Participants can walk or ride bicycles through the park’s illuminated areas.
Tour de Lights costs $20 per participant and requires registration. The fee applies to that activity specifically; the organizer’s general Tinseltown listing does not state an admission price for the broader celebration.
Tinseltown location: Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321.
Tour de Lights venue: Killinger Family Stage, 2251 George Flagg Parkway.
The Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation publishes the event details. Registration information and the $20 ticket price are available on the Tour de Lights event page.
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